Head of Real Estate

Location LondonLondonUK
Type Full-Time
Seniority Director
Posted Mar 20, 2026
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Hermès (GB) Ltd is hiring a Head of Real Estate in London to lead store development, CAPEX and facilities across the UK & Ireland.

Overview

Hermès is an internationally renowned luxury Maison celebrated for its craftsmanship, understated elegance and exacting standards. This role sits within Hermès (GB) Ltd, the UK subsidiary that represents the house across Britain and Ireland and partners closely with global Hermès functions to deliver the brand's retail and operational ambitions.

Role & Responsibilities

  • Define and deliver the long‑term real estate vision for the UK & Ireland, ensuring all physical environments reflect Hermès’ aesthetic and operational standards.
  • Oversee the full project lifecycle for new stores, refurbishments, relocations, temporary boutiques and technical upgrades, from briefing and design through to handover and post‑occupancy support.
  • Manage relationships with architects, contractors, quantity surveyors, engineers and specialist consultants; lead tendering, procurement and contract negotiation in partnership with Legal.
  • Partner with the CFO and Quantity Surveyor on CAPEX planning, budget stewardship and commercial decision‑making for multi‑million pound projects.
  • Collaborate with Retail Leadership, IT, Security and Internal Control to ensure layouts, technical systems, safety and compliance standards are met.
  • Lead and mentor the Real Estate and Facilities & Maintenance teams, fostering a supportive culture and protecting team wellbeing during high‑pressure phases.
  • Oversee facilities & maintenance strategy including preventative and reactive works, supplier evaluation, FM tendering and budgetary control.
  • Ensure rigorous adherence to Health & Safety, building control, planning and statutory compliance; engage sustainability specialists to integrate responsible practices.

Qualifications

  • Proven track record of end‑to‑end real estate and store development within luxury retail, premium boutiques or high‑end commercial environments.
  • Demonstrable experience managing multi‑million pound CAPEX projects and overseeing project budgets with financial transparency.
  • Strong expertise in UK planning regulations, building control, landlord approvals and statutory compliance.
  • Experience leading cross‑disciplinary teams and managing external consultants, contractors and tender processes.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and commercial negotiation skills, including lease and supplier contract negotiation (in collaboration with Legal).

Skills

Project lifecycle management (brief, design, construction, handover) CAPEX planning and budget control Tendering and procurement Contract negotiation and supplier management Stakeholder engagement and senior influencing Facilities & maintenance strategy Knowledge of UK planning, building control and H&S compliance Integration of sustainability considerations into built environments

Experience

Extensive experience delivering high‑profile retail real estate projects end‑to‑end, including new openings, refurbishments, temporary spaces and relocations. Proven history of managing multi‑million pound CAPEX, coordinating architects and consultants, and resolving complex technical and programme risks within the UK market.

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification in Architecture, Construction Management, Engineering, Real Estate or a related discipline; substantial demonstrable professional experience may be accepted in lieu of a formal degree.

Culture

Hermès cultivates a workplace rooted in craftsmanship, discretion and mutual respect, where attention to detail and quality are paramount. The organisation emphasises collaborative leadership, humility and the wellbeing of colleagues, encouraging work that balances technical excellence with human connection.